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    How to Prepare for Nursing School
    How to Prepare for Nursing School
    How to Prepare for Nursing School
    Ebook218 pages1 hour

    How to Prepare for Nursing School

    By S.L. Page

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    About this ebook

    "How to Prepare for Nursing School" is a book that covers all of the important aspects of preparing for nursing school. In this book, you'll learn about the different types of nursing programs, how to select a good nursing school, how to finance your nursing education, and much more.

    Nursing students often enter nursing school not knowing what to expect, and sometimes find themselves struggling during the admissions process. Some students even become discouraged to the point of questioning whether they should quit, or pursue a different degree.

    This guide was written to give students tips insight into how to approach nursing school. The author, S.L. Page, BSN, RN, currently works as a cardiac nurse and graduated from nursing school with honors. She later went on to start a popular nursing website, where she's helped thousands of people learn more about nursing.

    In this book, Sarah guides the reader through what to expect when applying to nursing school. She warns students of what they can expect to face, and she shares all the tips, tricks, and resources she used along the way.

    Whether you're a high school student who is considering attending nursing school, or a returning adult looking to get a first (or second) degree in nursing, this book will tell you how to prepare.

    This book is a part of the comprehensive book written by S.L. Page titled, "How to Pass Nursing School."

    To see all of the topics covered in this eBook, use the "Look Inside" feature on Amazon. Here's just a sample of some of the topics covered:

    -How to prepare for nursing school in high school
    -Tips for international students and returning adults
    -Different types of nurses and degrees (LPN, RN, etc.)
    -Sample curriculum and classes
    -Paying for nursing school (scholarships, financial aid, etc.)
    -When to apply to nursing school
    -FAQ about nursing school
    and more

    Who will benefit most from this eBook? "How to Prepare for Nursing School" will best benefit the following readers:

    -Adults or international student interested in returning to nursing school, or becoming a nurse in the U.S.(this guide will tell you what to expect)
    -High school students planning to enter nursing school (you'll learn what to expect and how to prepare)
    -Anyone interested in the field of nursing

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherS.L. Page
    Release dateDec 9, 2013
    ISBN9781310201776
    How to Prepare for Nursing School
    Author

    S.L. Page

    S. L. Page graduated with her bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) in 2009 and went on to found the popular nursing website, RegisteredNurseRN.com. She currently works as a registered nurse in non-invasive cardiology. She has helped mentor thousands of nursing students and nurse graduates with her website and job. The release of her new book "How to Pass Nursing School" is designed to help prepare students for the field of nursing.

    Read more from S.L. Page

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      Book preview

      How to Prepare for Nursing School - S.L. Page

      Copyright and Disclaimer

      How to Prepare for Nursing School

      Published by S.L. Page

      Copyright 2013 by S.L. Page

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This eBook is a RegisteredNurseRn.com production.

      Copyright Information

      This book is copyright © 2013 by S. L. Page. All rights reserved. This eBook (and all related content) is protected by national and international copyright laws. No part of this eBook may be reproduced, rewritten, resold, redistributed, retransmitted, emailed, published online, stored in a database or retrieval system, or distributed in any other means (digital or physical) without the author’s expressed written consent.

      Contributing editor: Benjamin Page

      Legal Disclaimer

      While every effort has been made by the author and publishers to ensure this eBook only contains factual and helpful information at the time it was written, the fields of nursing and education are rapidly changing, and the rules and regulations in each state are constantly changing. Therefore, this eBook should not be viewed as a final legal authority on policies, procedures, laws, nursing practice, or other content mentioned within. No warranty is offered, expressed or implied, to suggest this information will be safe, accurate, or viable in all situations (or areas) in the future. Furthermore, while the author firmly believes that the advice offered in this eBook will dramatically help nursing students increase their odds of success and acceptance into nursing school, this eBook should not be construed as a claim, warranty, guarantee, or representation of success concerning any of the topics covered. By reading or accessing this eBook, you agree not to hold the author or publishers liable for any damages or consequences that may arise from the use or misuse of the information given in this eBook.

      Introduction: From the Author

      Thank you very much for your purchase of this eBook. I truly hope this guide will help you prepare for nursing school.

      My name is Sarah, and I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) in 2009. I officially became a licensed RN when I passed the NCLEX-RN exam shortly after graduation.

      I’d always wanted to be a nurse, but by the time I was ready to enter nursing school, I was terrified. I’d heard so much about the difficulties of preparing for nursing school—the application process, financial aid, nursing interviews, and so forth—and I didn’t know how I’d get through it all.

      I didn’t have any mentors or older friends at that time who could tell me what to expect, either. As a result, I had to struggle through each of these challenges, and I often found myself becoming overwhelmed in the process.

      In fact, I remember how I almost talked myself out of going to nursing school because I was so confused about the entire process. When I tried to research answers to some of my questions concerning nursing school, I could never seem to find a good source online.

      After I was accepted into nursing school, I found that other nursing students had shared my frustrations about the entire admissions process. That’s how I eventually started the website, RegisteredNurseRn.com. It started as a small, personal blog documenting some of my experiences as a nursing student (and later nurse), and it quickly grew into a developed website.

      My goal was to offer a resource to help put down some of the myths and horror stories that were circulating about the nursing school admissions process, and to offer tips and other resources to help nursing students (and current nurses) succeed. Because I received such a positive response, I eventually decided to write this eBook, hoping to help potential nursing students prepare for the journey ahead.

      I also wrote another book titled, How to Pass Nursing School. This book is a comprehensive guide that not only includes the information in this book, but it also includes much more content, including strategies for passing classes, finding a job after graduation, NCLEX preparation, researching professors, how to create a resume, and much more.

      I truly hope this book helps you prepare for entrance into a nursing program.

      Table of Contents

      Disclaimer and Copyright

      Introduction: From the Author

      Chapter 1: Overview of Nursing School

      -Who Can This eBook Help?

      -Don’t Get Overwhelmed

      -How to Use This eBook

      Chapter 2: Preparing for Nursing School While in High School

      -GPA

      -Choosing the College Path

      -ACT/SAT Testing

      -ACT vs. SAT: What’s the Difference?

      -ACT and SAT Score Interpretation

      -What Do I Need to Score on the SAT or ACT?

      -Studying for the ACT or SAT

      -Joining Nursing Clubs

      -Student Nursing Clubs and Nursing Organizations

      -Volunteering, Shadowing, and Working

      -Graduating from High School (or Obtaining a GED Equivalent)

      -Researching and Applying to Nursing Schools

      -Planning How You Will Finance Your Education

      Chapter 3: Entering Nursing School as a Returning Adult

      -Requirements for Returning Adults

      -Do Older Adults Succeed in Nursing School?

      -Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree but Want to Become a Nurse?

      -How Long Are Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Programs?

      Chapter 4: Finding a Good Nursing School

      -Nursing School Accreditation

      -NCLEX Pass Rates

      -Job Placement Rates

      -Clinical Placements

      -Age and Reputation

      -Nursing School Costs

      Chapter 5: Financing Nursing School

      -Applying for Federal Financial Aid and Grants

      -Applying For Scholarships

      -Common Nursing Scholarships

      -List of Scholarships Available

      -Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs

      -Tax Deductions (and Credits) for Educational Expenses

      -Pros of Tax Deductions/Credits

      -Cons of Tax Deductions/Credits

      -Common Tax Deductions Students Should Consider

      -Work Study Programs and Jobs

      -Student Loans and Other Debt

      Chapter 6: Selecting a Nursing School Degree Program

      -Technical Nursing Non-Degree Programs (LPN or LVN)

      -Salary for LPN/LVN

      -LPN vs. RN

      -LPN/LVN Sample Curriculum

      -Undergraduate Nursing Degree Programs

      -Educational Requirements for Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs

      -Sample ADN Curriculum

      -Educational Requirements for Nursing Diploma Programs

      -Sample Diploma Program Curriculum

      -Educational Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)

      -Sample BSN Curriculum

      -Salary Information for RNs

      -Pros of an ADN Degree

      -Cons of an ADN Degree

      -Pros of a Diploma Program

      -Cons of a Diploma Program

      -Pros of a BSN Degree

      -Cons of a BSN Degree

      -Should You Get an LPN, Diploma, ADN, or BSN Degree?

      -Advanced Nursing Degrees

      -Doctor Degrees in Nursing

      Chapter 7: When to Apply to Nursing School

      -Applying to a University/College with a Nursing Program

      -Declare Nursing as Your Major

      -Meet with Your Advisor

      -Check Nursing Program Application Deadlines

      -Common Requirements for Nursing School Applications

      -Tips on How to Make the Nursing School Application Process Stress-Free

      Chapter 8: Nursing School Essays and Interviews

      -How to Write a Nursing School Application Essay

      -Things to Include in a Nursing School Essay

      -Nursing School Interviews

      -How to Prepare for the Interview

      -Research

      -Have Your Resume on Hand

      -Be Punctual

      -Dress to Impress

      -Have Questions?

      -Role Play

      -List of Common Questions You May be Asked

      Chapter 9: What Is Nursing School Like?

      -What to Expect in Nursing School

      -What to Expect the First Day of Class

      -Sample Syllabus

      -Hours in Nursing School

      -Assignments in Nursing School

      -Presentations in Nursing School

      -Common Classes You'll Face in Nursing School

      -What are Nursing Skills?

      -Common Skills You'll Learn in Nursing School

      -Nursing Skills List

      -Nursing Care Plans

      -A Sample Nursing Care Plan

      -Why Do Nursing Students Use Care Plans?

      -Nursing Clinicals

      -What to Expect During Clinicals

      -What Are the Health Requirements for Nursing School Clinicals?

      -What Type of Skills Will I Be Learning in Clinicals?

      -What Are the Hours Like in Nursing School Clinicals?

      -Types of Clinical Sites

      -Do You Get Paid for Clinicals?

      -Supplies for Clinicals and Nursing School

      -Dealing with Patients in Clinicals

      Chapter 10: Nursing Proficiency Exams (HESI and ATI)

      -HESI Entrance, Mid-Curricular, and Exit Exams

      -HESI A2 Entrance Exam

      -HESI Mid-Curricular

      -HESI Exit Exam

      -HESI Study Guide Tips

      -ATI Proficiency Exams

      -ATI TEAS-V Exam

      -What Is Considered a Passing Score for the ATI-TEAS V Exam?

      -How to Study for the ATI-TEAS V Exam

      -What is the ATI’s Comprehensive Assessment and Review Program (CARP)?

      -What is the ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam?

      -ATI Proficiency Levels

      Chapter 11: FAQ about Nursing School (with Answers)

      -What if There's a Waiting List?

      -What Classes Do You Take While in Nursing School?

      -Is Nursing School Hard?

      -How Many Hours Should You Study?

      -Do You Start IVs in Nursing School?

      -Is There a Lot of Math in Nursing School?

      -Do You Have to Write a Lot of Papers in Nursing School?

      -Can I Go to Nursing School with Kids?

      -Am I Too Old to Go to Nursing School?

      -Should You Work While in Nursing School?

      -What are Care Plans?

      -What are Clinicals in Nursing School?

      -Should You Choose a Minor While in Nursing School?

      -Should You Attend a Community College, Then Transfer to a Nursing School Program?

      Chapter 12: International Students Transferring to the U.S.

      -What Exam Do I Pass before I Can Take the NCLEX If I'm an International Student?

      -NCLEX Requirements for International Nurses

      -How Much Will It Cost to Take the NCLEX Internationally?

      -Where Are the International Testing Centers (Also Known as Non-Member Board Jurisdictions) That Can Administer the NCLEX Located?

      -Do I Have to Know English in Order to Become a Nurse in the US?

      -Will I Need to Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL Exam)?

      Conclusion

      Other Resources

      Chapter 1: Overview of Nursing School

      I once heard a great quote: A person who fails to plan is planning to fail. There is a lot of truth in that quote. If you don’t have a strategic plan in place for how you will approach nursing school admissions, then you will likely find yourself frustrated and overwhelmed.

      If, however, you go into nursing school with a positive attitude, have a strategic plan in place, and know exactly what to expect, then your chances of successful admission will be very high.

      I’d like to illustrate this basic principle using two extreme types of imaginary nursing students: Judy, the prepared student, and Sally, the unprepared nursing student. Sally and Judy are both smart girls. Both students scored well on the ACT test, and both are passionate about nursing. The only difference is that Judy went into nursing school prepared, whereas Sally didn’t.

      Judy: The Prepared Student

      Judy started preparing for nursing school in her senior year of high school. She was always busy researching nursing schools (looking at pass rates, accreditation, tuition expenses, etc.). As a result, Judy found a great nursing program with reasonable tuition.

      Judy applied to this school and submitted a great nursing school application essay. She took the time to write one that was unique, and she got some friends, family members, and a past English teacher to help her edit it. As a result, she got an interview with the nursing school.

      She showed up professionally dressed and fully prepared (she had practiced some interview questions), and she performed well in the interview. She was thrilled when she learned that the nursing school had accepted her into the program.

      Judy then applied for various scholarships and financial aid. She was able to obtain enough funds so that she had to work very little during the semester (perhaps not at all). She was able to focus completely on her studies and had much less stress in her life.

      Because Judy used strategic planning, she was able to succeed in nursing school. She had very little stress during the admissions process, and she went on to be a successful nurse.

      Sally: The Unprepared Student

      Sally, on the other hand, just picked a nursing school closest to home. She didn’t bother comparing tuition rates, NCLEX pass rates, or anything else.

      Sally also wrote a nursing school essay, but she didn’t bother getting help to edit it. She submitted a poor quality essay with her application, and she was rejected from the school closest to home. Eventually, she was accepted into another nursing program, but the tuition was higher, and the NCLEX pass rates were lower.

      Once there, Sally simply applied for student loans and took a part-time job. She didn’t know about financial aid opportunities, workplace tuition programs, or scholarships. As a result, she acquired a lot of debt and had to work a few days each week while juggling nursing school. This added a lot of stress to her life.

      Since Sally didn’t properly prepare for nursing school, she struggled immensely during the admissions process.

      The two illustrations above are not based on actual people, but they do give a lot of insight about how two perfectly intelligent people could have two radically different outcomes based on how they approach nursing school.

      While not

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